I need more dirt bikes like a need a hole in my head. Been thinking about flipping a pit bike/trail bike I never ride. Pick up an RMZ 250 for cheap to keep a bike at our little weekend lake place in East Texas. Nice track on the East side of the lake not far from our lake place. Hauling a bike on my hitch carrier or hauling a trailer on I10 between Houston and Beaumont is something I try to avoid. Might as well put a sign on my Beta RX or my Honda R that says hit me lol.
So I got the bright idea I’d pick up a RMZ 250 for cheap. Always wanted an RMZ. Then my 68 year old brain kicked in and realized how hard it would be to kick start with knee braces. Knee braces take up some knee room in MX pants, at least mine do. It was hard enough trying to start my kick start YZF before I braces. At least my brain kicked in LOl!!! Can probably find a green bike with electric start for near some price anyway. But like I said, always wanted an RMZ. Seemed like a good bike for an older guy, other than kick start. It’s one thing to kick start in the pits/ parking lot. It’s another when you stall on a 100 degree day, off camber right hander!
With used prices down thought I might find a deal. Will have to rethink. Would hate to find a clean RMZ. Then nightmare getting my long legs high high enough to kick start with knee braces.
At least I could give myself am new nickname, Kickstart Billy!
Just bump start it.
Good for you man, I truly hope I can keep doing this when I'm 68!
IMO, as a knee brace guy, Kick starting is still just a matter of muscle memory, unaffected by brace or no brace (just slightly different mechanics). Dudes have been kickstarting bikes in knee braces for many decades.
That said, if your focus is on the ease of starting on a 100 degree day on a right handed off camber (or a hill, or weird footing or whatever), obviously electric start is the way to go.
54, Knee braces and 2020 rmz250 here. Its a little tight at the top of the stroke (5'10). I can start it on flat ground but if there is a little low spot near by, I put a wheel in it. Every inch helps. Sometimes at the track I'll just start it on the stand. 3-4 easy kick throughs, then raise it to TDC and a swift kick (with the starter knob out) it will fire up in 1 or 2 kicks every time.
With that said, I think everyone should try out a suzuki 250. They are the most fun in corners and ruts.
The Shop
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Free shipping: VITALMX
As long as it's in neutral you can start it with your hand.
Post a reply to: Kick start RMZ with knee braces might not be easy!